Turning Environments Into Instruments

We all have our favorite places: Under a weeping willow by the Lake in Central Park. Strolling beside the reflecting pool at Lincoln Center. Watching the sunset from a riverside promenade. Many times we're listening to music on our mobile devices. Sometimes it fits, and sometimes it doesn't.

But what if the music was already a part of the place, waiting for you to discover it? And what if that music responded to your precise location in that place, morphing from section to section, allowing you to produce your own personal soundtrack, just by walking around?

U-GRUVE AR is the app that lets you do just that. Now you can create soundscapes with original music composed specifically for select public spaces. And because the arrangement is controlled by your position and interaction within the space, the resulting piece will vary every time.

All Original MusicEvery place is unique, so the music must be as well. All U-GRUVE AR music is custom-created by our composers for each location

New Tracks Added TransparentlyNew locations, artists, and tracks will be continuously added to the app via the Cloud, so no need for intrusive updates or downloads

No Time LimitOnce you've received access to a location, composer, or track, you can take all the time you'd like to explore and listen

MixMap ViewLike the regular GPS map, The MixMap displays your position in realtime, but relative to the audio zones defined by the composer

3D Sound PlacementMusical parts can be associated with statues, sculptures, and other objects, and, for example, can grow louder as you approach them

More on the Way in 2018We have many more features planned, including: Path Saving, Social Sharing, Multi-player Mode. Stay Tuned!

Get Movin' and Get Gruvin'

U-GRUVE AR blurs the line between listening and performing, and turns your normal, passive, listening experience into one that is enriching, memorable, and unique, ultimately strengthening your connection to the places you love.

Once you download and install the free app, here's all you need to do:

Fire up the app.

Make sure you've got GPS turned on

Get to a U-GRUVE location.

The app will show you the closest one. If you're there already, great!

Pick a track...

Locations

Bethesda Fountain, Central Park

Hallett Nature Sanctuary, Central Park

Lincoln Center Plaza

Conservatory Gardens, Central Park

The High Line

LOCATIONS

Your location is our stage. Let's work together!

u-gruve can be customized and branded for your specific location or event. If you represent an outdoor space like a park or a garden, we welcome the opportunity to join forces and produce a unique musical experience for your visitors.

Get in Touch

Find out about partnering with U-GRUVE AR

Composers

composers

Open Call For Composers

We're still on the hunt for forward-thinking composers who are interested in helping to establish this new channel for music experience. And while the nature of the format lends itself well to loop-based music (minimalism, electronica, etc.), all styles and genres can work and are welcome. Get in touch, and we'll send you a copy of our Composer's Guide.

Get in Touch

Find out about composing for U-GRUVE AR

About

about

U-GRUVE AR was designed and created by Richard Rodkin, a New York-based composer and creative technologist. The app was officially launched for iOS on May 07, 2016, in conjunction with the inaugural session of New York Creative Technology Week, and was selected as an exhibiting partner.

U-GRUVE AR is published by Memetic Arts, Inc., a New York-based digital media company focused on bringing innovative Creative Tech-driven applications to market.

All music appearing in U-GRUVE AR is used with permission of the composers, who retain full ownership and copyright of their respective works.

Help make U-GRUVE AR even better!

U-GRUVE AR officially launched in early May 2016, and we released version 1.0.1 on 18 May. We're currently testing Version 1.2, so if you live in or near a U-GRUVE AR location, own a late-model smartphone (iOS or Android), and would like to become a beta tester, we'd love to hear from you.